Empty homes surcharge
From 1st April 2013 homes that have been empty and unfurnished for 2 years or more have been charged an extra 50% council tax. From 1st April 2019 this increased to 100%.
From 1st April 2020 homes that have been empty and unfurnished for 5 years or more have been charged an extra 200% council tax. From 1st April 2021 homes that have been empty and unfurnished for 10 years or more will be charged an extra 300% council tax.
It’s important to keep us updated on the occupancy of any properties you own.
You can find more information in our empty homes surcharge policy (PDF).
Empty homes that don’t receive a surcharge
Empty homes and properties cannot be charged the surcharge if they would otherwise be the sole or main residence of a member of the armed forces, who is absent from the property as a result of such a service. Homes cannot be charged the surcharge if they form a substantial annex to a dwelling, which is being used as part of the main residence in that dwelling, such as a ‘granny flat’.